You have a choice of the Orbera balloon and the Spatz balloon. The Orbera balloon is suitable if your BMI is over 30. It stays in place for 6 months with a 12 month support programme. The Spatz balloon is suitable if your BMI is over 27. It stays in place for 12 months with an 18 month support programme.
To qualify, your BMI must be over 27 and you should understand that your behaviour around food needs to change in order for you to reap the long term benefits of your Gastric Balloon.
Why might I choose a Gastric Balloon for my weight loss procedure?
- You may have a specific reason for your weight gain and that reason has now gone (such as temporary immobility or pregnancy) and you would like to lose weight quickly, efficiently and safely.
- You are a long term yo-yo dieter, but you know that with the correct help you can lose your excess weight and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle after your gastric balloon is removed.
- You are prepared to involve yourself with the NOSC Support Team and follow their guidance.
- You may prefer not to undergo a more invasive procedure involving general anaesthesia.
- You may be suffering from a significant weight related co-morbidity. The commonest co-morbidity we see in this group is infertility associated with polycystic ovary syndrome.
- You may not be medically fit enough to undergo a more major procedure.
- You might need to lose weight quickly before you are able to undergo other surgery, such as joint replacement or heart bypass surgery.
How do I know which Gastric Balloon to choose?
If you have 2 or 3 stones to lose, you might choose the Orbera balloon. If you have more weight to lose or you would like the added benefit of a longer lasting device you will probably choose the Spatz balloon.
